I am the founder and director of Voice of Freedom, a project that works with women who have escaped trafficking, bringing the voices of the enslaved to a wide public for the first time.

The project enables the women to document their lives, feelings and experiences through the camera lens, and supports them as they create texts in their own words to accompany the images.

Workshop by the sea

‘without projects like this, I could not think about my future. Without an opportunity like this, I simply could not be here, be there, be anywhere’ – fruit of love

Voice of Freedom works within the discipline of participatory photography – a recognised tool for advocacy and social activism. Participants are supported as they create their own photographic work – a facilitator works with the group, teaching them to use a camera so they can define, communicate and improve their situation. We build long-term relationships with our participants and the women are given the opportunity to become activists and educators.

‘In my country, they take girls and they sell them. They kill girls.’ – Nili

‘it is really dangerous in albania and women don’t want to go back. After so much suffering, they got away. The women try to explain what happened to them, but people don’t understand. I know girls who have harmed themselves and committed suicide because of the harsh time, but you have to wait. Try to do things carefully and not be part of the danger.’ – nili, voice of freedom participant

‘Trafficked women are used like dolls, without spirit or feelings.’ – Nili

‘I had thought about it myself – that I would portray the experience, and teach others. That’s what I was planning to do when I go back to ethiopia. It doesn’t matter what the consequences are – whatever demands it makes, I’ll do it because I just have to tell the story.’ – zenebech zeleke, voice of freedom participant